russet

[ ruhs-it ]

noun

1. yellowish brown, light brown, or reddish brown.
2. a coarse reddish-brown or brownish homespun cloth formerly used for clothing.
3. any of various apples that have a rough brownish skin and ripen in the autumn.
4. a brownish, roughened area on fruit, resulting from diseases, insects, or spraying.
5. russet Burbank.
6. finished leather that is not yet polished or colored.

adjective

1. yellowish-brown, light-brown, or reddish-brown.
2. made of russet.

russet

/ ˈrʌsɪt /

noun

1. brown with a yellowish or reddish tinge
2. 1. a rough homespun fabric, reddish-brown in colour, formerly in use for clothing
   2. ( as modifier )

      a russet coat

3. any of various apples with rough brownish-red skins
4. abnormal roughness on fruit, caused by parasites, pesticides, or frost

adjective

1. (of tanned hide leather) dressed ready for staining
2. archaic.
   simple; homely; rustic

   a russet life

3. of the colour russet

   russet hair

Derived Forms

• ˈrussety, adjective

Other Words From

• russet·ish russet·y adjective
• russet·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of russet¹

1225–75; Middle English < Old French rousset, diminutive of rous reddish brown, red (of hair); roux

Word History and Origins

Origin of russet¹

C13: from Anglo-Norman, from Old French rosset , from rous , from Latin russus ; related to Latin ruber red

Example Sentences

There shall also be a standard width of dyed cloth, russet and haberject, namely two ells within the selvedges.

From Popular-Science

Cemeteries have also been bulldozed, leaving bone fragments protruding from the russet earth.

From Time

After testing both russets and Yukon Golds, I can confidently say russets are the way to go.

From Washington Post

He was wearing a fleece gilet zipped over his russet sweater.

From Nautilus

Winds and rain could easily turn the desert back into a blank russet canvas.

From Popular-Science

A maple spread friendly arms at one corner, a lordly tree that would blaze crimson and russet-brown when October came again.

From Project Gutenberg

The St. Bernard laid his silver and russet head on her skirt.

From Project Gutenberg

Tertiary Colours are three only, citrine, russet, and olive.

From Project Gutenberg

Inside was an elderly lady, and in her arms was a russet Pekingese.

From Project Gutenberg

The third circle shows how slate, citrine and russet are made.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cardinal
• coral
• crimson
• flaming
• glowing
• maroon
• rose
• wine